Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building

Collaboration was central to the brief, and the University was keen to include a wide range of spaces and furniture types. We had to work with the grain of the existing floorplate, keeping toilets, kitchens and meeting rooms in their original places while maximising the potential of the workplace.

To meet and exceed the requirements of the brief, we had to envisage not simply a new suite of spaces, but a whole new work culture that those spaces would facilitate. Efficiency and adaptability are everything here: lockers and height-adjustable desks allow for hot-desking, while a mix in room types – meeting rooms, quiet areas, bookable rooms linked to smart technology – ensure that all staff can work in the way that best suits them.

We used our experience and the SBE Toolkit to sharpen the focus on staff wellbeing, creating a sense of belonging and connection while protecting privacy. A large, open foyer area provides a sense of place and welcome, while a communal kitchen acts as a social hub for employees. We included a wellbeing room, where people can retreat to a calming environment with soft finishes and equipment storage.

The proposals bring ADP’s research into third space and future workplaces to a real-world application, and set a high standard for what’s possible in modern offices. When complete, the Ziff Building refurbishment will allow the University of Leeds’ staff to work in a relaxed, welcoming and highly inclusive set of spaces, where everyone can prosper.